Should you be in line for a pay rise?

AUSTRALIAN salary growth is on the up for the first time in six years, but not all workers are reaping equal rewards.

The National Salary Survey released by Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML) revealed the average salary increased 2.9 per cent in 2017-18, up from 2.8 per cent the year before.

IML general manager of corporate services and research Sam Bell said the increasing growth bucked a five-year downward trend.

"This reversal was well illustrated in last week's Federal Budget, where the strengthening Australian economy is causing a tightening labour market, and applying upward pressure to salary growth," he said.

But the IML report found senior executives and senior management experienced the largest salary increase, averaging 3 per cent, while salaried staff experienced the smallest, averaging 2.6 per cent.

"More employers are willing to offer a pay rise this year compared to last but the value of those increases is falling, which is a glaring impediment for widespread wage growth and is at odds with the expectations of professionals, who are inclined to think the value of their pay rise will be higher," he said.

"Of the 46 per cent of professionals who intend to look for a new job in the next 12 months, 48 per cent cite an uncompetitive salary as a motivating factor.

"If their employer doesn't offer a pay rise, they're prepared to ask for one or start looking elsewhere."